Cam Thompson: Coming to The Ring

I don’t usually talk about my upcoming Ring Magazine column, and for two reasons: It typically has nothing to do with the Capital Region boxing scene, and it always seems just a little too, I dunno, self-promotional.

But I’m making an exception this time because it’s a fascinating topic. The March 2010 Issue (on sale end of January) will feature Lenroy “Cam” Thompson, arguable one of the most promising young heavyweights on the scene.

First, this kid’s a winner. He’s only been boxing four years and let’s just look at 2009. Golden Gloves National Champion, Everlast National Champion, PAL National Champion, and the Ringside World Champion. As I’m writing this, Cam’s in England on the U.S. National Team, probably doing what’s becoming somewhat of a habit – winning, of course.

But there’s something else the southpaw banger has that sets him apart from other 21-year-olds. Social awareness and courage. The awareness shows in his dedication of all his bouts to breast cancer prevention. He sells t-shirts at all of his events. The shirts say, “Fighting is Easy When Your Opponent isn’t Breast Cancer.” All proceeds go to the Cam Thompson Foundation and are then directed to the cause.

The courage part, you ask? The kid fights in pink – the color of breast cancer awareness – often from his headgear to his sneakers. That’s right, this 6’3″ 225-lb slugger steps into the ring in pink boxing attire.

Do you know anybody with the cojones to tell him he can’t do this? This is some young man, let me tell you. – MR